Pyelonephritis is a serious bacterial infection of the kidney that can be acute or chronic. It is a form of nephritis. It can also be called pyelitis. Pyelonephritis most often occurs as a result of urinary tract infection, particularly in the presence of occasional or persistent backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters or kidney pelvis (vesicoureteric reflux). Pyelonephritis can be further classified is acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis (sudden development of kidney inflammation) and Chronic pyelonephritis (a long-standing infection that does not clear) Although cystitis (bladder infection) is common, pyelonephritis occurs much less often. The risk is increased if there is a history of cystitis, renal papillary necrosis, kidney stones, vesicoureteric reflux, or obstructive uropathy.

The risk is also increased when there is a history of chronic or repeating urinary tract infection and when the infection is caused by a particularly aggressive type of bacteria. Acute pyelonephritis can be severe in the elderly and in people who are immunosuppressed (for example, those with cancer or AIDS). Possible causes of kidney infection include infections in the bladder ,use of a catheter to drain urine from the bladder ,use of a cystoscope to examine the bladder and urethra ,surgery on the urinary tract conditions such as prostate enlargement and kidney stones that prevent the efficient flow of urine from the bladder and defects or abnormalities in the urinary tract that block the flow of urine. Severe or recurrent infections may cause permanent kidney damage and lead to chronic kidney disease.

A kidney infection is treated with an appropriate antibiotic taken for several weeks. Anatomic abnormalities may need to be surgically treated. Antibiotics will usually clear the infection. An antibiotic is usually prescribed straight away if a kidney infection is suspected, even before the result of the urine test is known. Some bacteria are resistant to some antibiotics. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen ease pain and reduce a high temperature (fever). Stronger painkillers may be needed if the pain is more severe. Due to the high mortality rate in the elderly population and the risk of complications, prompt treatment is recommended. Drinking cranberry juice prevents certain types of bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder and may lessen the chance of infection.

Pyelonephritis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment of Pyelonephritis.

2. Mild cases may be treated with oral therapy.

3. Drinking cranberry juice prevents certain types of bacteria.

4. Surgery may be needed if tests reveal a predisposing condition

5. Anatomic abnormalities may need to be surgically treated.

6. Increasing the intake of fluids encourages frequent urination that flushes bacteria from the bladder.